Two RS members appointed to JPC amid BJP protest

In a step that will affect the balance in the JPC on 2G scam, two Rajya Sabha members, including a nominated one, were appointed to the panel today amid stiff resistance from BJP which stalled proceedings for the day.
The motion to appoint Congress member P Bhattacharya and nominated member Ashok S Ganguly to the 30-member Committee was adopted by voice vote amid din created by BJP members who argued that the move will affect the balance of the panel.
The motion was moved to fill up two vacancies created in the JPC after the retirement of Opposition DMK member Tiruchi Siva and resignation of E M S Natchiappan (Congress) who became a Minister in July.

The entry of Ganguly, who is perceived to be close to Congress and comes in place of opposition DMK member Siva, will tilt the balance in the panel and will be crucial in the event of voting.
The Committee now has 12 members of the ruling UPA -- Congress-11 and NCP-1. Among its outside allies, SP has one member and BSP two members.
Opposition camp has BJP-6, BJD-1, TMC-1, CPI-1, CPI(M)-1, DMK-1 and AIADMK-1. JD(U), which recently split with BJP, has two members.

The JPC has 20 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha.
As soon as the motion was brought in the Upper House in the second attempt since the first one failed last week, BJP members demanded its recall, saying it would have "dangerous implications" as it will not have opposition representation.

However, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla, who moved the motion, insisted that the matter was discussed with different political parties and he had consulted BJP leaders including Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley.